Cherwell track, Steeple Aston, Oxfordshire

Client
Network Rail

Contractor
Story Contracting

Product
FastTrack concrete

Volume
30 cubic metres

Overview
Hanson has supplied a high-performing, fast-setting concrete to Story Contracting which enabled a complex project for Network Rail at Steeple Aston in Oxfordshire to finish within a challenging timescale.

Project description
Hanson has supplied its FastTrack high early-strength concrete to Story Contracting on numerous occasions over the past few years, so when the contractor needed a high-performing concrete with early strength gain, it knew Hanson could produce such a specialist product with a proven track record.

FastTrack concrete can be used in a broad range of applications where speed and efficiency are critical and is widely used in rail renovation.

The project in Steeple Aston involved the refurbishment of three individual structures within 275 metres on the Didcot to Chester railway line, including repairs to a Victorian arched, two-way masonry railway bridge.

The concrete used was required to gain 25N/mm2 of strength within 24 hours in order to meet the exacting timescales for the project. Hanson’s technical team designed a FastTrack mix which far exceeded this, initially hardening in 37 minutes and showing a strength gain of 40.5N/mm2 in 24 hours.

Jonny Fearon, senior project manager at Story Contracting, said: “We have used FastTrack on many projects, particularly where time constraints and early trafficking are an issue.

“Hanson is an excellent supply partner offering high quality engineering solutions and high levels of customer and technical
service.”